Spells for “hanging” other spells.

Emerald Essence Matrix

Circle: Terrestrial
Cost: 15m (3m committed)
Target: One immediately-cast spell

One of Devon’s early triumphs, the Essence Matrix class of spells was the answer to what until then had been a long-asked question: how can sorcerers counter the need to cast spells over an extended period of time? Devon’s first answer was the Emerald Essence Matrix, a brilliant solution that took the concept of committed Essence and turned it into a power and entity unto itself.

The Emerald Essence Matrix is a field of committed motes that holds together a preselected spell. The spell is cast normally. Afterwards, Emerald Essence Matrix is cast. This spell has special timing rules. The character can shape Terrestrial Circle sorcery to cast this spell as a reflexive action that takes 0 ticks. Indeed, the sorcerer must cast Emerald Essence Matrix as a reflexive action the instant the previous spell has been cast, but before it takes effect. If anything interrupts the sorcerer in that instant, the spell intended for the Matrix takes effect normally. (This can be very unfortunate in the case of some attack and summoning spells.)

Once successfully cast, the Matrix catches the spell in the expended motes. Three of the motes used to cast the spell are committed to holding the spell in place, along with the full cost of the spell in question. No effect that reduces the cost of a spell, including but not limited to the No-Moon anima power, can reduce the cost of the motes committed to maintaining an Essence Matrix, but the spell contained within the matrix can be reduced in cost, and ending the spell-reducing effect does not alter the cost of the spell bound within the Matrix.

When the sorcerer wishes to release the spell, he releases the committed motes as a free action. The sorcerer may then direct the underlying spell as if he had cast it normally in that instant. Normal restrictions for time of year, casting time, materials and the like do not apply. However, all rules of spell applicability apply – if the sorcerer is unwilling or unable to choose a target, the spell fails normally and the motes are simply lost.

Both the Matrix and the spell within it are invisible to all forms of detection save those that sense sorcery in particular, or all forms of Essence in general, explicitly including All-Encompassing Sorcerer’s Sight (and any Charm that functions identically to it) but explicitly excluding the Essence scanners built into Celestial Battle Armor. Emerald Countermagic works normally on the original spell, but once a spell is in a Matrix, Countermagic can only be used on the Matrix if the opposing sorcerer can detect the Matrix to target it.

Furthermore, if the underlying spell is not also subjected to Emerald Countermagic, it activates immediately, as if cast deliberately by the original spellcaster; if such a spell requires that a target be chosen, the sorcerer can do so as a reflexive action as if she had deliberately released the Matrix. Sapphire and Adamant Countermagic do not suffer from this limitation; any use of these more powerful spells instantly snuffs out both the Matrix and its contained spell without any side effects.

Demon of the First Circle and Summon Elemental have special rules when captured in a Matrix. Only the base cost of the spell is applied when bound within the Matrix, but the contest of wills to bend the summoned entity to the sorcerer’s will does not take place until the spell is actually released. Any further motes the sorcerer wishes to spend in forcing the summoned being’s obedience are expended at that time. If the Matrix is shattered with Emerald Countermagic, the spell is released and the sorcerer must attempt to either bend the entity to his will or banish it per the normal rules of the respective spells.

Sapphire Essence Matrix

Circle: Celestial
Cost: 30m (6m committed)
Target: One immediately-cast spell

This spell functions as Emerald Essence Matrix, save for the increased cost and the changes noted below. This spell has special timing rules. The character can shape Celestial Circle sorcery to cast this spell as two reflexive 0-tick actions.

This spell can hold either a Terrestrial or Celestial spell. Its costs are not reduced if the sorcerer contains a Terrestrial spell within its Matrix. However, Emerald Countermagic has no effect on a Sapphire Essence Matrix, regardless of the spell within it. Demon of the Second Circle is subject to the same rules as Demon of the First Circle should Sapphire Countermagic be used to shatter the Matrix but not the spell.

Adamant Essence Matrix

Circle: Solar
Cost: 45m (9m committed)
Target: One immediately-cast spell

This spell functions as Emerald Essence Matrix, save for the increased cost and the changes noted below. This spell has special timing rules. The character can shape Solar Circle sorcery to cast this spell as three reflexive 0-tick actions.

This spell can hold either a spell of any circle. Its costs are not reduced if the sorcerer contains a Terrestrial or Celestial spell within its Matrix. However, neither Emerald nor Sapphire Countermagic has no effect on an Adamant Essence Matrix, regardless of the spell within it. Demon of the Third Circle is subject to the same rules as Demon of the First Circle should Adamant Countermagic be used to shatter the Matrix but not the spell. Salina’s concerns about this combination of spells contributed to her decision to found the tradition of the Calibration Feast.